SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES SUDAN PEACE TALKS BEING HELD IN KENYA

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES SUDAN PEACE TALKS BEING HELD IN KENYA

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

The Secretary-General welcomes the talks being held in Kenya between the First Vice-President of Sudan, Ali Osman Mohamed Taha, and the Chairman of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), John Garang, under the auspices of the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).  He strongly hopes that these high-level talks will provide the necessary impetus for the two sides to conclude their negotiations with a comprehensive peace agreement.

The Secretary-General reiterates his appreciation for the efforts of the Government of Kenya in leading the IGAD peace initiative and those of other countries that are closely supporting and assisting the peace process.

The United Nations stands ready to contribute to the efforts of the international community to help implement a peace agreement concluded by the Sudanese parties.

* *** *